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Google launches Go programming language

Could be used to build web servers and databases

Go is Google's latest attempt to cement itself in the world of core IT infrastructure

Google has just released a new experimental programming language to the open
source community.

Go is an attempt by the web giant to mix the dynamic, web-friendly attributes
of scripting languages like Python with the performance and security benefits of
compiled languages like C++.

The move follows similar attempts to gain a foothold in the world of core IT
infrastructure, which include the creation of the Android mobile operating
system (OS), the Chrome PC browser and the as yet unreleased Chrome OS.

Work on Go was started two years ago, but it was assigned a dedicated
development team to work on it full time about a year ago. Team members include
industry heavyweights Ken Thompson and Rob Pike, two of the creators of the Unix
operating system, and Robert Thompson, who developed the Java HotSpot compiler.

Google said in a
blog
posting that Go is intended to be a systems programming language for
building software such as web servers and databases. Its concurrent programming
model is optimised for multi-processing and multi-core-based machines.

Described by the vendor as a “fresh and lightweight take on object-oriented
design”, the language is intended to improve the handling of dependencies
between reusable software components such as libraries.

"Here at Google, we believe programming should be fast, productive, and most
importantly, fun. That's why we're excited to open source an experimental new
language called Go," read the blog.

"Typical builds feel instantaneous; even large binaries compile in just a few
seconds. And the compiled code runs close to the speed of C. Go lets you move
fast."

Google said it has already tested the language internally, but is not
currently using it to build user-facing applications itself as it is considered
too immature. The firm hopes that releasing Go to the open source community wil
l provide it with help in terms of future development.